Lecture on Korean War given at American Legion

Photos

James Kane refers to a map of Korea as he tells the audience the reasons why the United States entered into an armed conflict with the North Korean government beginning in June 1950.

James Kane addresses the audience in the meeting room of the American Legion Post 423. Using various slides and audio tapes, he described how the conditions were when the United States and members of the United Nations fought the North Koreans to preserve the government of South Korea and to prevent the spread of communism. He spoke of a number of battles, including the battle of the Chosin Reservoir where Marine and Army troops fought their way to the coastal city of Hungnam where they were evacuated.

OAK RIDGE — James Kane recently gave a lecture to members of the Legion and interested persons about the "Forgotten War.....Korea". The program was sponsored by the American Legion Post 423 and the Jefferson Township Municipal Library.

The war began on June 25, 1950 and finally on July 27, 1953, a truce was declared that ended all hostilities. The 38th Parallel was declared a de-militarized zone that separated the two Koreas. This was where the original separation of the two Koreas had been established.

During this time, 36,516 Americans lost their lives, 8,100 were missing in action and an untold number of our military were wounded; some of whom remain hospitalized in Veterans Hospitals to this day.

The truce between the two countries is still in effect after 61 years. The United States has assigned troops to Korea during this time in order to maintain the truce.